Talks between Tesco and the Mandate trade union have ended inconclusively this evening however all stores will remain open over the weekend despite the strike.
The talks are being held in a bid to resolve a dispute over contracts which has seen pickets placed on 16 of the company's 150 outlets.
The dispute centres on the company's proposal last year to transfer around 1,000 pre-1996 recruits to less favourable contracts introduced in that year.
Around 700 affected staff took redundancy but around 250 remaining employees say that if they are moved to the so-called "modern" contract, their pay and conditions will be hit.
#Tesco strike at 16 stores to continue (though stores stay open despite pickets) - 23 more shops to be balloted from Monday. #Mandate
— Ingrid Miley (@ingridmileyRTE) February 17, 2017
Mandate commenced an indefinite strike last Tuesday at eight stores, and a further eight joined the strike today.
Twenty-three more stores will be balloted for strike action from Monday.
Yesterday, Tesco agreed to enter talks "without prejudice" with a view to settling the current dispute, which was welcomed by Mandate.
The supermarket chain has taken out advertisements in national newspapers apologising to customers for any inconvenience caused.
It said that all stores remain open for customers.
It also pointed out it is the only food retailer to recognise trade unions in all of its stores.
Stores which joined the strike today:
Dublin
Artane Castle Shopping Centre
Churchview Road, Kilbogget, Ballybrack
Roselawn Shopping Centre
22A Drumcondra Rd Upper, Drumcondra
Phibsborough Shopping Centre
Park Shopping Centre
Monaghan
Monaghan Shopping Centre
Wicklow
Greystones
Stores on indefinite strike since last Tuesday:
Dublin
Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2
Ballyfermot
Clearwater Shopping Centre
Kerry
Manor West Retail Park
Longford
Main Street
Meath
Navan Town Centre
Offaly
Tullamore Retail Park
Wicklow
Vevay Road, Bray
